Mahatma Gandhi
(1869-1948)
Although I have devoted a large part of my life to the study of religion and to discussion with religious leaders of all faiths, I know very well that I cannot but seem presumptuous in writing about Jesus Christ and trying to explain what he means to me. I do so only because my Christian friends have told me, on more than a few occasions, that for the very reason I am not a Christian and that (I shall quote their words exactly) “I do not accept Christ in the bottom of my heart as the only Son of God,” it is impossible for me to understand the profound significance of his teachings, or to know and interpret the greatest source of spiritual strength that man has ever known.
Although this may or may not be true in my case, I have reasons to believe that it is an erroneous point of view. I believe that such an estimate is incompatible with the message that Jesus Christ gave to the world. For, he was certainly the highest example of one who wished to give everything, asking nothing in return, and not caring what creed might happen to be professed by the recipient. I am sure that if he were living here now among men, he would bless the lives of many who perhaps have never even heard his name, if only their lives embodied the virtues of which he was a living example on earth; the virtues of loving one’s neighbour as oneself and of doing good and charitable works among one’s fellowmen.
What, then, does Jesus mean to me? To me, he was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had. To his believers, he was God’s only begotten Son.* Could the fact that I do or do not accept this belief make Jesus have any more or less influence in my life? Is all the grandeur of his teaching and of his doctrine to be forbidden to me? I cannot believe so.
To me, it implies a spiritual birth. My interpretation, in other words, is that in Jesus’ own life is the key of his nearness to God; that he expressed, as no other could, the spirit and will of God. It is in this sense that I see him and recognize him as the Son of God.
The Spirit of Jesus
But I do believe that something of this spirit that Jesus exemplified in the highest measure, in its most profound human sense, does exist. I must believe this; if I did not believe it, I should be a sceptic; and to be a sceptic is to live a life that is empty and lacks moral content. Or, what is the same thing, to condemn the entire human race to a negative end.
It is true that there certainly is reason for scepticism when one observes the bloody butchery that European aggressors have unloosed, and when one thinks about the misery and suffering prevalent in every corner of the world, as well as the pestilence and famine that always follow, terribly and inevitably, upon war.
In the face of this, how can one speak seriously of the Divine Spirit incarnate in man? Because these acts of terror and murder offend the conscience of man; because man knows that they represent evil; because in the inner depths of his heart and of his mind, he deplores them. And because, moreover, when he does not go astray, misled by false teachings or corrupted by false leaders, man has within his breast an impulse for good and a compassion that is the spark of Divinity, and which some day, I believe, will burst forth into the full flower that is the hope of all mankind.
Jesus’ Example
An example of this flowering may be found in the figure and in the life of Jesus. I refuse to believe that there now exists or has ever existed a person that has not made use of his example to lessen his sins, even though he may have done so without realizing it. The lives of all have, in some greater or lesser degree, been changed by his presence, his actions, and the words spoken by his divine voice.
I believe that it is impossible to estimate the merits of the various religions of the world, and, moreover, I believe that it is unnecessary and harmful even to attempt it. But each one of them, in my judgment, embodies a common motivating force: the desire to uplift man’s life and give it purpose.
And because the life of Jesus has the significance and the transcendency to which I have alluded, I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith, or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.
— The Modern Review, October 1941, republished on mahatma.org.in/
* The word ‘begotten’ has for Gandhiji a significance that is more profound and possibly nobler than its simple literal meaning.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I hope every one still have a attitude like mahatma gandhi too.
Hi Peter, I agree this kind of attitude is what the world needs most now. Blessings, Kamala
i am deeply touched by this article,its changed my ways of thinking…..bless Gandhi
As a believer and follower of Christ, I am amazed at this article because it shows how one person can look to Jesus as an example of we must live. And if he is your example then you are christian (christ like) in your heart and mind. That is awesome brother Ghandi, that mind set can cease all war and strife. It also proves that how unified we can be with a christ like mind set. Love is the teaching and way of life. Religion divides but love brings together.
Thank you for your beautiful words, Shamou. Blessings, Kamala
in last days every knees bend before jesus christ and confus he is God
What ‘saint’ this man is christian or not christian he is christlike….ghandi makes me wonder most time if he really was mortal.
And because the life of Jesus has the significance and the transcendency to which I have alluded, I believe that he belongs not solely to Christianity, but to the entire world; to all races and people, it matters little under what flag, name or doctrine they may work, profess a faith, or worship a God inherited from their ancestors.
Love this Quote
Being a Christian, after reading some lines in this book “What Jesus Means to me” by Gandhiji, I could only come to an immediate conclusion that, this great individual has utterly failed to understand what the Lord Jesus means to humanity.
Lord Jesus, cannot be compared to any individual living or dead, for he is God, the only one to have risen from the dead. Giving us the ultimate hope to have life even after our death.
May the soul of Gandhiji rest in peace, and to surely find a place in the eternal glory with our Master Lord Jesus Christ.
If only we christain will have a heart like christ and be the light of the world instead of making someone to fall, things will have been better. Now adays if it is for some christains some people will never have have become a christain but thank God we are doing it for christ.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God gave His only begotten Son to the entire world not only to Christians, but the entire human race whether you accept Him or not because God is love. Everything is given to us just to look at a few little examples an “orange,’ a’ mango, and whatever you may love they are all wrapped up for you – isn’t our God lovely, the blade of grass, the petal of a rose, the birds that sing, whatever you admire. What about the water the rain, the snow they all came forth from our Father in Heaven. Just take a little moment to admire His gifts to each one of us. God bless!
I really admire what this great leader had said, that if only the entire human race live in accordance to what Jesus had shown and live the way he lived, the entire world will be a better place. Thanks for the opportunity.
Some Years back, after coming to America and getting exposed to some excellent Bible teaching, I have not a shadow of doubt that Jesus was ( and is) the son of God. My Bible has all words uttered by Jesus in the color red. and believe me those words of Jesus are NOT of an ordinary man– but of someone who KNEW how the world was made and even more importantly how IT FUNCTIONS. Jesus reveals the greatest secrets of God-what happened and what WILL HAPPEN. His mouth uttered ONLY truth– and he embodied love compassion, forgiveness, teaching and sacrifice. Gandhiji knew he was exceptional. he knew there wont be one like Jesus( or come even close).
To all those brothers and sistrs of mine who do not know Jesus, I strongly encourage you to read the Bible. Bible is the redemptive story of that mighty God who IS LOVE and who LOVES YOU, and is anxious to be your father– the true eternal father. and another request– pls do not read the Bible with prejudice or bias– but with a neutral mindset, and you will quickly discover the truth of it. remember guys— Bible claims to be the breath of the all pervading God– and when you read Bible, a lot of supernatural activity will happen. Find it out! its more interesting than anything i have ever read or will perhaps read…In Christ— Rajesh Sahu ( raj.sahu7777@gmail.com)
Thank you for sharing what Jesus means to you.